ONE FOR GOD
December 2004 Nairobi Singles Retreat
By Leslie Chemwolo
The Naivasha camp is the first camp I have ever attended in all my life. I must say it was quite an experience.
When we stepped out of the vehicles that dropped us at the Naivasha YMCA, the venue of our camp, the cool Naivasha breeze greeted us. Those of us who reached there earlier informed us that the cottages had been occupied and we were to make ourselves comfortable in the dormitories. That was a bit disappointing at first but we later appreciated the dormitory because it served to unite us even more.
Naivasha is a beautiful place. Flower farms surround the YMCA. It is hot in the day and quite cold in the night. Many tourists visit Naivasha because of its great scenic beauty such as the Lake Naivasha. Most of us didn't quite know what to expect. We were to spend the next three or so days with many singles that we had never gotten a chance to spend time with.
The first night was scheduled for a movie to relax us after the journey. Those who were too tired to watch the movie were allowed the choice of sleep.
Saturday started with aerobics led by Odhis. We then had breakfast together. After that we had a class whose title was in line with the theme of the camp: "One for God". I learnt that God individually has singled each of us out. I learnt that I should take Christianity personally since God's attention is riveted on me. The same God that singled Jesus out also singled me out.
This was followed by lunch.
In the afternoon three of the Hope Worldwide staff arrived in style. They led us though an engaging discussion on different issues that touch on youth such as sexuality. It was not a lecture as we expected. There were four sides marked agree, strongly agree, disagree and strongly disagree. There were a series of statements that were read out and one was supposed to run to the appropriate corner depending on how much he/she agreed or disagreed with the statement. Then one would be expected to defend his/her position. The debate was really exciting, producing many a hot argument. It really served to break the ice and loosen everyone up.
After the debate we split into groups in order to organize presentations that were to be delivered by the bonfire later that night. My group was named "Motik", a Kalenjin (1) word for "fires". I taught my group members a Kalenjin song entitled "sinendet." Sinendet is a plant that symbolizes happiness, celebration, peace and countless positive words in the Kalenjin culture. So the Kalenjins, naturally, have a song in praise of the plant that features in all Kalenjin celebrations for example during the welcoming back of athletes after impressive performances abroad.
After preparing the different presentations in groups we embarked on our next challenging but uniting task: fetching firewood for the bonfire. The brothers carried a whole tree trunk from deep in the bushes. It was so heavy it had to be carried by at least five brothers. We took turns carrying the log so that it didn't have to be lowered to the ground until we reached the site for the bon fire. It was greatly bonding.
After supper we gathered around the bonfire to make different presentations in our groups. One of the guys, Omesh, thrilled the spectators with his comedic talent as he imitated a small Luhya (1) boy. He was recognized as the best actor at the camp.
The following day was Sunday and the team woke up for aerobics. After breakfast we arranged the seats in preparation for the service. The main sermon was based on the story of David and Goliath and I got new insights from it.
The Philistines sent their champion Goliath to face the Israelites. The devil sends his champions to us too and we have to just rely on God like David did. Like David, I should go with the strength that I have. David cut off Goliath's head just to be sure he was dead. Likewise I should ensure that sin is completely dead in my life.
After the service we listened to a tape about "A singles ministry that multiplies." There were countless lessons learnt from the tape. We were encouraged to be a singles ministry that multiplies and that is structured around evangelism. We were taught to be a singles ministry that meets other people's needs and that is committed to raising up leaders.
Later in the evening we had supper and then gathered around the bonfire for more presentations. On Monday we woke up again for aerobics and after breakfast gathered to share what we had gotten out of the camp. It was an emotional time as people recounted how others had touched their lives. We unwillingly left Naivasha at around eleven in the morning feeling that we had become and resolved to always be one for God.
(1) Kalenjin and Luhya are Kenyan ethnic groups.
Notes from the classes taught
When we stepped out of the vehicles that dropped us at the Naivasha YMCA, the venue of our camp, the cool Naivasha breeze greeted us. Those of us who reached there earlier informed us that the cottages had been occupied and we were to make ourselves comfortable in the dormitories. That was a bit disappointing at first but we later appreciated the dormitory because it served to unite us even more.
Naivasha is a beautiful place. Flower farms surround the YMCA. It is hot in the day and quite cold in the night. Many tourists visit Naivasha because of its great scenic beauty such as the Lake Naivasha. Most of us didn't quite know what to expect. We were to spend the next three or so days with many singles that we had never gotten a chance to spend time with. The first night was scheduled for a movie to relax us after the journey. Those who were too tired to watch the movie were allowed the choice of sleep.
Saturday started with aerobics led by Odhis. We then had breakfast together. After that we had a class whose title was in line with the theme of the camp: "One for God". I learnt that God individually has singled each of us out. I learnt that I should take Christianity personally since God's attention is riveted on me. The same God that singled Jesus out also singled me out.
This was followed by lunch.
In the afternoon three of the Hope Worldwide staff arrived in style. They led us though an engaging discussion on different issues that touch on youth such as sexuality. It was not a lecture as we expected. There were four sides marked agree, strongly agree, disagree and strongly disagree. There were a series of statements that were read out and one was supposed to run to the appropriate corner depending on how much he/she agreed or disagreed with the statement. Then one would be expected to defend his/her position. The debate was really exciting, producing many a hot argument. It really served to break the ice and loosen everyone up.
After the debate we split into groups in order to organize presentations that were to be delivered by the bonfire later that night. My group was named "Motik", a Kalenjin (1) word for "fires". I taught my group members a Kalenjin song entitled "sinendet." Sinendet is a plant that symbolizes happiness, celebration, peace and countless positive words in the Kalenjin culture. So the Kalenjins, naturally, have a song in praise of the plant that features in all Kalenjin celebrations for example during the welcoming back of athletes after impressive performances abroad.
After preparing the different presentations in groups we embarked on our next challenging but uniting task: fetching firewood for the bonfire. The brothers carried a whole tree trunk from deep in the bushes. It was so heavy it had to be carried by at least five brothers. We took turns carrying the log so that it didn't have to be lowered to the ground until we reached the site for the bon fire. It was greatly bonding.
After supper we gathered around the bonfire to make different presentations in our groups. One of the guys, Omesh, thrilled the spectators with his comedic talent as he imitated a small Luhya (1) boy. He was recognized as the best actor at the camp.
The following day was Sunday and the team woke up for aerobics. After breakfast we arranged the seats in preparation for the service. The main sermon was based on the story of David and Goliath and I got new insights from it.
The Philistines sent their champion Goliath to face the Israelites. The devil sends his champions to us too and we have to just rely on God like David did. Like David, I should go with the strength that I have. David cut off Goliath's head just to be sure he was dead. Likewise I should ensure that sin is completely dead in my life.
After the service we listened to a tape about "A singles ministry that multiplies." There were countless lessons learnt from the tape. We were encouraged to be a singles ministry that multiplies and that is structured around evangelism. We were taught to be a singles ministry that meets other people's needs and that is committed to raising up leaders.
Later in the evening we had supper and then gathered around the bonfire for more presentations. On Monday we woke up again for aerobics and after breakfast gathered to share what we had gotten out of the camp. It was an emotional time as people recounted how others had touched their lives. We unwillingly left Naivasha at around eleven in the morning feeling that we had become and resolved to always be one for God.
(1) Kalenjin and Luhya are Kenyan ethnic groups.
Notes from the classes taught